Napolcom removes Mayor Oscar Garin’s control over police

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. of Guimbal town in Iloilo has been stripped of his deputation over the town’s police force, according to the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, concurrent chairman of Napolcom, said he signed Resolution 2018-768 last Dec. 28, which revoked Garin’s control over the local police for grave abuse of authority.

Año slammed Garin and his son Iloilo first district Rep. Oscar Garin Jr. for beating up Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya on Dec. 26.

“What the congressman and the mayor did was abuse of authority and a display of arrogance, a conduct unbecoming of men in authority and well-deserving of punishment,” Año said.

Napolcom vice chairman Rogelio Casurao said they are convinced that the elder Garin abused his authority as a local official... his act merits the withdrawal of his authority over the Guimba police.

“The withdrawal of Mayor Garin’s authority as a deputized representative of the commission is the most prudent action that the Napolcom can take to ensure a credible and unbiased ... investigation into the beating up of PO3 Macaya,” Casurao said in a statement.

The Garins reportedly disarmed and handcuffed Macaya while the congressman spat on his face, punched and kicked him.

The congressman had apologized for their action, saying they were frustrated at Macaya for not pursuing a case against a suspect accused of assaulting a minor on Dec. 22.